"No help for hard-working families in Budget" says MP
13th March 2008
More stealth taxes on drivers and alcohol at the same time as cost of living is going up - the Chancellor's plan to help Britain's families
Speaking in response to Alistair Darling’s Budget yesterday, Hemel MP Mike Penning said:
“This budget is bad news for Britain’s families at a time when they are already facing a higher cost of living. The 6% tax increase on alcohol is significantly above the rate of inflation. The Beer and Pub Association suggests that at this rate a pint of lager in London will cost £6.50 by the time of the Olympics in 2012!
“The increase in Vehicle Excise Duty – although aimed at so-called gas-guzzlers – will actually affect 70% of motorists. This is bad news for drivers.
“In national terms it turns out that the so-called prudence of the previous Chancellor, Gordon Brown, is a myth. He was not so prudent when it comes to looking after the UK’s interests in the long term. In the good years Gordon Brown failed to put any money aside in preparation for an economic downturn and the UK now has the largest budget deficit in Western Europe.
“I don’t believe the public are fooled by gimmicks such as the increase in winter fuel allowance – welcome though it may be. This modest one-off rise will not compensate for the inability of the state pension to keep pace with spiralling utility and council tax bills.”
